The operator of Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, Nuclearelectrica, has completed one of the most significant construction milestones at the facility in decades, marking an important step in the long-term modernization program of Unit 1.
The company announced the successful completion of the first continuous concrete pour for permanent structures associated with the Unit 1 refurbishment project. The operation, described as the largest of its kind at the site since the construction of Unit 2, required approximately 3,470 cubic meters of concrete, equivalent to around 380 truck deliveries.
The works were carried out at the Intermediate Radioactive Waste Storage Facility (DIDR-U5). This facility will play a key role in the management, treatment, and temporary storage of radioactive waste generated during the refurbishment process, as well as in the future long-term operation of both Unit 1 and Unit 2.
According to CEO Cosmin Ghiță, this milestone represents the symbolic beginning of the large-scale modernization phase of the reactor. He stated that the project is expected to extend the operational life of Unit 1 by an additional 30 years following its planned return to service in 2030.
Nuclearelectrica received the necessary construction authorization for the storage facility from Romania’s nuclear regulator in September 2025, enabling civil engineering works linked to the refurbishment program to proceed according to schedule.
The modernization project is being implemented in three main phases. The current stage focuses on preparation and infrastructure works, which are expected to continue until the end of 2027. The final phase will involve the shutdown of Unit 1 and the execution of the full refurbishment process.
Once completed, the reactor is expected to be reconnected to Romania’s national electricity system in 2030, after which it will continue operating for an additional three decades.
Commissioned in 1996, Unit 1 at Cernavodă has been a cornerstone of Romania’s electricity system for nearly 30 years. According to Nuclearelectrica, the unit has generated more than 149 million MWh of electricity over its lifetime while avoiding approximately 145 million tons of CO₂ emissions.
The company also highlighted the reactor’s strong performance record, noting that it has consistently maintained a capacity factor above 90%, placing it among the most efficient nuclear units globally.
